Frequent texting can be pain in neck

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - If you find yourself bent over to check a text on your phone, you could be causing yourself a pain in the neck — literally.

That pain has been called “text neck.”

Indeed, texting makes getting in touch with friends easy.

“It’s just easy to communicate and it’s fun,” Kristen Werntz said.

Her friend, Brady Coblentz, echoed her sentiments.

“It’s like a great way to talk to people and to make plans,” the 15-year-old said. “I do it daily.”

But when people text, they are spending hours in slumped positions. And that's where the problem starts.

Dr. Joseph Kielur with Mass Avenue Chiropractic says there’s an increase in patients experiencing neck pain, headaches, shoulder, and wrist and hand pain. If you're looking at a cell phone in your lap, your neck is holding up what feels like 20 or 30 pounds, Kielur said.

“For every inch your head goes forward you are adding 10 pounds to the weight and pressure that is on your neck,” Kielur said.

Kristen Werntz said she has had some minor problems.

“Every once in a while. It depends if I have been slouched over or not,” the 20-year-old said between texting a friend on her phone.

Unlike Werntz, some ignore the pain.

Kielur says that is a big mistake.

“Just like your phone sends you a message, your body sends you a message,” Kielur said. “If you hurt (your body) will go ahead and send you the message.”

So, what can you do if you are a constant texter?

First, Kielur says you can limit the number of texts you send throughout the day. He suggests using an ice pack to treat neck pain instead of a hot shower. And, Kielur said there’s an app to help you remember to avoid forward head posture. When the phone is held at a safe viewing angle, a green light shines in the top left corner. When you're at risk for Text Neck, a red light appears.